X-Trial's cathedral prepares for its stars

January 28, 2020

by Pere Flores @Perflo135 / FIM X-Trial Journalist

The historic X-Trial Barcelona is sure to be exciting and close-fought based on what we have seen so far

Sunday’s (2nd February) 43rd edition of X-Trial Barcelona at the Palau Sant Jordi is sure to be among the most competitive of all time, following on from an incredible third Round of the 2020 Championship last weekend (19th January). In front of a passionate crowd at the Laszlo Papp Arena, Finals for both first and third positions were settled by tie-break at X-Trial Budapest.

Following his victory in Hungary, Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) arrives in the Catalan capital for the fourth Round of the season on a maximum sixty points, fifteen clear of his nearest rival. Adam Raga (TRRS) has once again been best of the rest, making it to three consecutive Finals but falling short of Bou on each occasion. Now he hopes that a return to Barcelona, where he was victorious last season, will reinvigorate his quest for a fifth world title.

A fascinating fight for third position, meanwhile, has developed in early-season trips to France and Hungary, and each member of the chasing pack is capable of ending Bou and Raga’s grip on the top two places in Spain. In fact, three of them have made it onto the podium already this season: Jaime Busto (Vertigo) in La Réunion, Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco) in Rennes and Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa) in Budapest.

While young Marcelli makes his first appearance in Barcelona, Miquel Gelabert (Vertigo), Benoit Bincaz (Beta) and Jorge Casales (Gas Gas) are all returning with the aim of banking their first podium finishes of 2020. All have at least one top-three finish on their X-Trial record, and their arrival at one of the most prestigious events of the calendar is sure to increase their motivation to take another.

Entertainment, starting at 17:00 local time with the ever-spectacular sound and light show, is expected to be witnessed by the biggest crowd of the season, ensuring an unmissable atmosphere for sports fans in general.

Tickets are still available for Round Four of the campaign at www.rpmticket.com . Visit www.x-trial.tv to re-live coverage of Rounds One to Three as well as taking in the live broadcast of X-Trial Barcelona on Sunday.